While the student population dwindles during the summer months, Rice’s Housing and Dining (H&D) department continues to bustle with activity, catering to the needs of 3,800 youth and young adults attending summer camps and conferences. At the helm of this operation is Diana DeSantiago, along with her team and 18 Summer Conference Assistants (SCAs), who are all Rice students. The SCAs play a vital role in the program infusing their vibrant energy into the overall camp experience.
Earlier this year, the Princeton Review recognized Rice Housing and Dining by ranking both services within the top 20 US college campuses. This summer, those on campus experienced the dining team’s excellence as the team will serve up over 94,000 meals to campers and Rice's students, faculty, and staff.
The Summer Conference Services team has been instrumental in supporting various Rice camps over the years, including the Tapia Math and Science camps, The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), Rice Emerging Scholars Program (RESP), and Responsibility, Inclusion, and Student Empowerment (RISE) camp. Many of these camps support first-generation college students and individuals from underrepresented minority groups, such as the National Urban League, which hosted its 33rd Annual Youth Leadership Summit on Rice's campus.
Earlier this year, the Princeton Review recognized Rice Housing and Dining by ranking both services within the top 20 US college campuses.
Through their efforts during the summer months, Housing and Dining reaffirm their commitment to Rice’s culture of care and the Finance and Administration pillars–innovation, inclusion, and excellence.
